4 of the most inspiring walks in Europe

We’re lucky to be a short flight away from some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you want a relaxing walk across the coast, or wish to rack up the miles across the countryside, there is sure to be something for you.

Of course, not everyone wants to be exercising on holiday, but there are many ways travellers can incorporate some unforgettable scenic walks into their break without missing out on all the delights their destination has to offer.

In fact, it is amazing how travelling by foot can help tourists to discover incredible sights and sounds that would have otherwise passed them by. Walking is the best way to truly understand the atmosphere and personality of a new location and it removes the agony of dealing with traffic!

Here are just some of the best walks in Europe:

1. Barcelona, Gaudi walk

This route gives travellers a fantastic insight into the work of Barcelona’s top architect Antoni Gaudi, who helped to give the city an everlasting artistic identity in the 1900’s.

The legacy of Gaudi’s work will live on forever and is immortalised in his many stunning landmarks. Official tours of his work are available from many companies, but seeing his exceptional creations can just as easily be done with a map and some enthusiasm!

Any walk should begin at the Placa Reial, which has become one of Barcelona’s most popular meeting points and features two lampposts created by Gaudi in the 1800s, intricately decorated with snakes.

Other exciting parts of the route include the legendary Trencadis, Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia basilica church, which showcase the city’s magnificent gothic charm. There’s plenty of outstanding art to enjoy here and it’s a great introduction to one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations.

2. Geneva, Mont Saleve

The Saleve mountain is one of Geneva’s most picturesque locations and a great option for travellers looking to explore nature at its finest.

Hiking up the mountain takes around four hours and could be too challenging for beginners, but thankfully a cable car can be used to reach the peak. From there, you can take on a range of trails that provide beautiful views of the French Prealps, Lake Geneva and the Jura Mountains.

Visitors can easily spend a day here taking in the magical sights and sounds of Switzerland’s landscape. They can even take part in rock-climbing and mountain biking among other sports, so whether you’re after some tranquillity or an adrenaline rush, Mount Saleve is a great option.

3. Gibraltar, Upper Rock Nature Reserve

Gibraltar is a fantastic destination for visitors looking to enjoy some peace and quiet. The peninsula’s laid-back culture, Mediterranean coastline and warm climate make it a fantastic retreat for holidaymakers, but there’s also an array of extraordinary walking routes to explore at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

The area is well-known for having the Rock of Gibraltar at its heart and is home to a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna, some of which can not be found anywhere else in Europe. After being reserved for military use, the rock is now a fantastic spot to see some of the continent’s most unique wildlife. The most famous of which being the Barbary macaques.

Routes such as the Devil’s Gap Footpath, Douglas Path, Inglis Way and the Royal Anglian Way were crucial stretches of land for troops during World War 2, but they are now gorgeous trails with unbelievable views of the Mediterranean.

4. Rome, Vatican City

The Vatican City is one of the world’s most historic locations. Centuries of history are stored within the area’s ancient walls and it is now an inspirational showcase of Rome’s evolution over the years.

Starting at the Spanish Steps, visitors can gain a memorable insight into how the city felt all those years ago and understand the roots of its everlasting legacy. From there, travellers can move on to the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. All of these landmarks remain in immaculate condition, which is a testament to the Romans’ legendary architectural skills.

Finally, no tour of the Vatican can be complete without visiting Castel Sant’Angelo and St Peter’s Square, where travellers can see modern-day Rome collide with its iconic past. To help you plan a trip around Rome, here are some excellent tips.

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